New features in the mass analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectra of alkyl benzenes

The aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives toluene, p-xylene and ethylbenzene have been studied using mass analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectroscopy. The measurements have been performed with a conventional reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The ionization energies of these molecules are determined with a FWHM of 7 cm(-1) and are compared with the values measured with ZEKE spectroscopy. Additionally a new technique increasing the intensity of MATI signals has been applied to the different intermediate states of the above mentioned derivatives.